PICK OF THE WEEK

realised that the plant was riddled with problems.

Liam Gallagher: 48 Hours at Rockfield (Sky Arts, 9pm)

Whether you think he’s brilliant or, well, not so brilliant, there’s no denying the former Oasis lead singer still has bucketloads of charisma and makes a compelling television subject. In this insightful fly-on-the-wall documentary, cameras catch up with the singer-songwriter as he spends time at Rockfield Studios in Monmouthshire with his sons Lennon and Gene. As well as kicking back with the boys, Gallagher also takes to the microphone and performs several tracks from his recently released album C’Mon You Know.

State of the Union (BBC2, 10pm)

The first series of this sitcom starred Rosamund Pike and Chris O’Dowd as a couple who met in the pub each week just before their marital therapy sessions. Now, a new series keeps the same writer (Nick Hornby), director (Stephen Frears) and 10-minute long episodes, but adds new stars in Patricia Clarkson and Brendan Gleeson. They play liberal, campaigning Ellen and her more traditional husband, Scott. They are trying to save their 30-year marriage and contemplating what the future of their relationship might look like in a changing world.

Gentleman Jack Changed My Life (BBC1, 10.40pm)

Expectations were always high for the drama Gentleman Jack – after all, it stars one of British TV’s best actresses, Suranne Jones, and comes from writer Sally Wainwright, the woman who gave us Last Tango in Halifax and Happy Valley. However, few people could have anticipated that the series, which is inspired by the real-life 19th-century lesbian Anne Lister, would be quite so life-changing. In this uplifting documentary, six women share their stories of how Gentleman Jack made them reassess their sexuality, including a woman in her 80s who was inspired to track down her lost love.

WEDNESDAY

The Repair Shop (BBC1, 8pm)

Jack Laugher is one of Britain’s foremost divers. He’s won gold, silver and bronze Olympic medals as well as having podium finishes at the world and European championships. However, over the years, his medals and the wooden box they’re kept in have taken a battering – which is why he’s handing them over to Brenton West and Will Kirk for some much-needed repair work. Other items needing attention are a model mythical monster, a broken tool and a precious musical jewellery box bought for its owner in Malaysia half a century ago.

George Clarke’s Flipping Fast (C4, 9pm)

Here’s hoping we can continue our drinking game with the architect’s new series. Usually we take a sip every time he exclaims “amazing!” while watching Amazing Spaces. Perhaps we’ll have to change it to whenever he says “flipping” from now on. But whatever happens, it’s always good to see lovely George back on the box in a new programme. In this one he follows the fortunes of six wannabe property developers. They’re given a whopping £100k with which to begin their businesses. They’re then sent out into the world to invest it in whatever homes or offices they can before selling them on. Whoever makes the most profit over the course of the series will be crowned the winner. Flipping amazing, eh?

The Great British Sewing Bee (BBC1, 9pm)

It’s children’s week, which is always a fun time in the sewing room. Host Sara Pascoe had a baby earlier this year, so maybe she’ll be eyeing up some of the cute toddler sailor suits made during the pattern challenge for her own bundle of joy once they get a wee bit older. In the Transformation Challenge, judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young ask the competitors to turn boring school clothes into something far more cool before a bunch of mini-models try on Halloween-themed costumes in the madeto-measure task.

Britain’s Beautiful Rivers with Richard Hammond (More4, 9pm)

The presenter shakes off his laddish Grand Tourer image and heads into the great outdoors to explore the country’s rivers in this fascinating four-parter, examining their historical, ecological and economic importance. He begins with the Severn, and reveals how it has been a river of barriers, division and conflict over time, but is now a means of connection. He also sees how its banks were fought over, used as a transport route for centuries, and why it is now helping one of Britain’s rarest migratory fish.

Grayson’s Art Club: Queen’s Jubilee Special (C4, 10pm)

When it comes to Channel 4 royalty, they don’t come much bigger than Grayson Perry, his wife Philippa and The Great British Bake Off

judge Prue Leith. Now they’re joining forces for one night only in a spin-off from the Turner Prizewinning potter’s regular Art Club series. As you’ve probably guessed from the title, the theme is the Queen’s forthcoming platinum jubilee; Grayson describes her as a “good subject for art” due to the fact that her position “carries a lot of meaning”. Earlier in the year, he and Philippa asked the public to send in their depictions of Her Majesty, and now we’re getting to see the fruits of our labours, which should reveal how the nation sees her. Prue drops into the studio for a nosey; Harry HIll and British-Guyanese artist Hew Locke also take part.

Inside No 9 (BBC2, 10pm)

The often chilling comedy drama from inventive duo Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith continues. This time it’s guest stars Jessica Hynes and Noah Valentine who are taking centre stage as mother-and-son duo Helen and Zach. Unfortunately, the pair are not getting on very well, but that looks set to change when a random act of kindness (which happens to be the title of the episode) brings a stranger called Bob (Pemberton) to their home. He seems to understand their problems, but can he really help them sort out their differences?

THURSDAY

Eat Well for Less? (BBC1, 8pm)

Chris Bavin and Jordan Banjo help Liston, Preety, and their children 15-year-old Teyha, eight-year-old Jorja and Dylan, who is seven. Preety cooks healthily thanks to her Indian heritage, but catering to everyone’s tastes can be tricky. Plus, she’s diabetic and worries about her children’s love of sweet treats. Chris aims to show the youngsters how much sugar they eat, and Jordan sets out to up their veggie intake. But can they help cut their household food bill and persuade the family to eat together?

The Prince’s Trust Awards in Association with TK Maxx & Homesense (STV, 8.30pm)

Ant and Dec are our hosts for this glittering event, broadcast for the first time in the presence of HRH the Prince of Wales, president and founder of the charity that has, for 46 years since its launch in 1976, helped hundreds of disadvantaged young people to get their lives back on track. Coming at a time when everyone needs a little good news in our lives, the awards will see a galaxy of stars from film, television, music and sport in attendance at London’s Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, where they will share and celebrate the remarkable achievements of tonight’s young winners, all of whom have overcome significant barriers to transform their lives and futures, for the better. Prepare to be uplifted and inspired.

Art That Made Us (BBC2, 9pm)

The series concludes with a look at the explosion of new voices from across the British Isles, in the 1950s and 1960s that created a richer, more diverse culture. Artist Liv Wynter explores how Tracey Emin’s work opened up attitudes to class and gender, while actor Michael Sheen remembers his ambitious 2011 production The Passion of Port Talbot, a fusion of traditional mystery play and a 21st-century social-media event. Plus, poet Deanna Rodger reflects on how Stormzy took Glastonbury by storm in 2019.

Big Boys (C4, 10pm)

Proof there’s life for Dylan Llewellyn after Derry Girls comes in this comedy, narrated by Jack Rooke and based on his award-winning live shows. This double-bill introduces Jack (Llewellyn), as he heads to the local uni. There, he encounters union head Jules, dedicated student Corinne, savvy fashion kid Yemi, and proud ‘lad’s lad’ Danny. He and Jack try to find their individual crowds during Freshers Week while being banned from partying in halls, but a night out with Yemi leads to several surprises.

PRU (BBC3, 10pm)

This four-part comedy is a breath of fresh air, following four teens in a Pupil Referral Unit, a school for excluded children. It begins with Sienna’s first day at the PRU and a chance for a fresh start. She makes a new friend in troubled Belle, reunites with frosty old school mate Jaeden and crosses swords with hyperactive Halil, who won’t take his ADHD medication. But when his behaviour threatens the class paintballing trip, Sienna takes matters into her own hands with predictably disastrous consequences.

FRIDAY

World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys (C5, 8pm)

Many people who wanted to see the California coast would plan to take a road trip, but narrator Bill Nighy is here to prove that you can let the train take the strain instead. The aptly named Pacific Surfliner, which boasts five double-deck coaches, takes viewers on a 350-mile journey that begins near the Mexican border at San Diego, and then heads north to the city of San Luis Obispo. The stops include Richard Nixon’s favourite beach, and Santa Barbara, where viewers meet the monks of an 18th-century mission. It’s a long way from the Cathcart

Circle.

Here We Go (BBC1, 8.30pm)

Paul’s car boot sale doesn’t bring in any money, but at least the Jessops can look forward to a free meal courtesy of Sue’s new boyfriend Alf, who owns an Italian restaurant. Rachel is so excited by the prospect, she even starts evening classes to brush up on the Italian she learned in her twenties. So, she should be fine when it comes to ordering, but as Sue invites more people, and Alf stars to wonder if she’s more interested in free pasta than she is in him, will the family dinner go ahead? Meanwhile, Sue isn’t the only one with a new love interest as Paul and Sam agree to help Robin find out more about Cherry’s estate agent boyfriend, Iain.

The Terror: Infamy (BBC2, 9pm)

Just when you think the plight of the Terminal Islanders can’t get worse, this latest double bill begins with tuberculosis outbreak that forces Amy (Miki Ishikawa) to take action. Meanwhile, the Nakayamas have been torn apart, and Chester (Derek Mio) goes in search of the one person he thinks will be able to help. Then in the second instalment, Amy once again feels compelled to act as she goes up against a powerful opponent, while Chester and Luiz reach a turning point in their relationship.

Nordic Murders (More 4, 9pm)

Katrin Sass and Rikke Lylloff are back in the third run of the German-language crime drama, set on the island of Usedom. Simone Eggebrecht, the ex-wife of a politician, wants to set up a hotel for people living with disabilities in a prominent location, only for her plans to be sabotaged by anonymous acts of vandalism. She suspects her former spouse’s involvement when a security guard goes missing, and while Ellen and Rainer get caught up in the escalating battle, Karin tries to keep out of the case.

The Lateish Show with Mo Gilligan (C4, 10pm)

It seems Graham Norton is no longer the undisputed king of Friday night chat, especially after Mo Gilligan’s show picked up its second Bafta earlier this month. Now, Mo is back to remind us just why his series became a hit as it returns for a third run. There’ll be sketches, studio games where the audience get a chance to win some incredible prizes, and music from the house band the Compozers, not to mention more Nursery Grimes. Mo will still manage to find time to chat some guests, including Top Boy actor and musician Ashley Walters, comedian and current Taskmaster scenestealer Judi Love, and Sean Paul.

Who Do You Think You Are? (BBC1, 10.40pm)

For years, Sue Perkins has kept (some) viewers entertained and amused, from her daytime partnership with Mel Giedroyc and historical, gastronomic adventures with Giles Coren, to her turns on various panel shows. So it comes as no surprise to learn there’s plenty of humour in her family tree, even among the poignant stories of an orphaned grandfather and a greatgrandfather interned as an “enemy alien” during the First World War. But we see a whole new, heartbreaking side to her when Sue delves into the German branch of her family who were living in Eastern Europe through the Second World War, uncovering a harrowing tale of refugees.